2018 Ford F-150: misfire or rough idle

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · Engine · CO

2018 F150 2.7L @ 118,000 miles - Intermittent check engine light kept popping up about 1 month prior to this event, which was addressed at a mechanic, repair and replacement of spark plugs attempted, but not solved. DTC codes indicated a misfire on Cylinder 6. One day I was driving at highway speed when vehicle began to shake uncontrollably with check engine light flashing and audible alarm. Vehicle was put into "reduced power" or "limp" mode and side streets had to be taken in order to get home. After evaluation by 4 mechanics, all reported the cylinder had lost compression and that one of the intake valves on the cylinder were likely the problem. Ultimately, a Ford dealership was the one who performed the engine replacement and also agreed it was likely an intake valve. I am reporting this after seeing numerous intake valve recalls for Ford engines of similar years since my event occurred. I am not attaching, but am happy to provide invoices and diagnostic quotes from all mechanics.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

After Ford performed a PCM (Powertrain Control Module) reprogramming recall on 16 July 2025, the vehicle began experiencing repeated engine misfires, loss of power, and engine warning lights. The condition progressively worsened, leading to a leaking fuel injector, an EGR valve that stuck open, and eventual internal engine damage requiring full engine replacement. These failures involve PCM-controlled systems (ignition timing, fuel injection, and exhaust gas recirculation) and occurred shortly after the recall calibration. The issue has been confirmed and documented by an authorized Ford dealer. The truck has become unsafe to drive due to stalling and shuddering at highway speeds, which could pose a risk of loss of vehicle control. Warning lamps and a wrench icon appeared intermittently before the engine shuttering and loss of power. The vehicle and all repair documentation are available for inspection upon request.

Filed Sep 10, 2025 · Brakes, Fuel system · TX

The brake system on my 2018 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost began failing around early 2025 with a brake warning light illuminating and the pedal feeling soft, signaling a problem. The brake fluid reservoir dropped low repeatedly despite topping it off multiple times with DOT 3 fluid, indicating a persistent leak. By 09:52 AM CDT today, September 10, 2025, the brake pedal lost all pressure, making the vehicle completely undrivable and posing a severe safety risk due to significantly increased stopping distances and potential brake failure. At 10:37 AM CDT, thick white smoke started billowing from the exhaust each time the vehicle was started, likely from brake fluid leaking into the engine via the brake booster, a symptom matching Ford recall 25S37 (the federal safety agency 25V236) for a defective brake master cylinder seal. This failure endangers the driver, passengers, and other road users, as the truck is a primary vehicle, with the smoke suggesting a fire hazard and possible engine damage like stalling or misfires. The issue is reproducible, with the warning light, fluid loss, and soft/no pedal persisting since early 2025, worsening today with the smoke appearing consistently on startup. It has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center yet, as the vehicle is undrivable, but I plan to tow it to a Ford dealership for inspection under the recall. No manufacturer, police, insurance, or other inspection has occurred, as the smoke issue escalated this morning; prior rear left electronic parking brake actuator replacements in 2025 due to fluid leaks were done at home. The brake master cylinder and possibly the brake booster are the failed components, with the actuator issue likely related, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request or at a dealership. Symptoms first appeared with the warning light and soft pedal in early 2025, followed by fluid loss, complete pedal failure, and smoke today at 09:52 AM CDT.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

In November of 2024, my truck was shaking, accelerating erratically, and felt like the transmission was slipping. The check engine light came on as well. I took it to the shop and after diagnosing that it was a misfire issue in cylinder 6, they replaced spark plugs, fuel injectors, and tried to switch out new coils. They found gasoline inside cylinder 6, and upon doing a compression test, it was well below 100%. The truck continued to have misfires in cylinder 6, ultimately leading to 0% compression in that cylinder after taking it back to the same authorship to diagnose. After researching online forums and technical bulletins, it’s clear this issue is not uncommon among 2.7L EcoBoost engines from this model year, suggesting a manufacturer defect. The cost to replace the engine (as now recommended) has been estimated at nearly $10,000. With the history of regular oil and maintenance by the previous owner and myself, I feel this is a manufacturing defect that could potentially cause harm to the driver and passengers.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Engine · 113,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was unofficially diagnosed with failed catalytic convertor sensors, which provided false failure codes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with catalytic convertor failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Engine · 100,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart and was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to excessive oil consumption. The mechanic determined that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Engine · WA

Summary: 2018 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX] , 3.5L EcoBoost) - Timing chain failure started at 30,000 miles, now at 111,000 miles. Rattling, power loss, misfires, stalling. Engine dangerous, risks crashes. Request the federal safety agency recall investigation. Description: Vehicle: 2018 Ford F-150, VIN [XXX] , 3.5L EcoBoost Issue: Timing chain failure began at 30,000 miles, worsened to 111,000 miles. Symptoms: loud rattling, power loss, misfires, stalling. Safety Risk: Unreliable engine, sudden power loss, potential stalling in traffic, or catastrophic failure. Dangerous to drive. Request: the federal safety agency investigate for recall due to early failure and safety hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 19, 2024 · Engine · MT

misfire on cylinders1,3,5 timing chain, inter cooler a/c hoses. paid over $5,000 for these repairs. 1 month later engine failure. traded it in and took a $7,500 loss for repair of new engine. 83,000 miles on the engine. 2018 3.5 liter v6 ecoboost for platinum . engine light would blink if it received to much acceleration. would have to pull over and turn off engine. for the engine light to go away. ford never did replace or fix this issue. next thing I know I need a new engine. had this truck less than one year. and a loss of 12,500. the moonroof pillars brackets started to brake off not able to use the moon roof. thermostat removed and replaced. bg cooling system service, oil cooler lines replaced, intake tube boot replaces, radiator hoses replaced, heater hoses replaced,

Filed Sep 14, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · OK

First is the automatic 10 speed transmission. Started with hard shifting then skipped gears then the whole transmission had to be replaced. Next is the cam phasers, loud knocking, engine runs rough, poor acceleration, gets hot fast. Local Ford dealer has confirmed the problems. Have replaced transmission but have not had the money to replace cam phasers. Both known by Ford but not taking responsibility for it.

Filed Aug 22, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · LA

I bought vehicle at almost 60,000 miles and 8 to 9000 miles later engine is misfiring. Vehicle has been in should previous year and I got it back this June(24) for 2 days and back in shop only to find that ford had work on cyclometer before and refuse to let that be know when it was in shop the first time from same noise and complaint. The dealer recommendation is for a new motor in which cost $12000 more on top of what I owe on truck and ford is refusing to fix the problems stating it’s out of warranty but they previously worked on vehicle. This vehicle had currently 70,000 miles on it and it should not be up for a new motor and I’ve only experienced this vehicle for 9 to 10,000 miles. Seems as if this was a patch up job on a lemon to be sold off and transferring responsibility of repairs to buyer. This is not right and I’m at a standstill on decision of how to proceed forward with situation.

Filed Aug 16, 2024 · Engine · 69,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a squeaking noise coming from the engine compartment, and the engine was running rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that cylinder #4 had misfire, and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Filed Aug 2, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · TN

The cam phasers have always made a loud noise at startup. When I had this looked at, dealerships told me it was just a noise and nothing to worry about. Over time, the noise got worse. Recently, the cam phasers malfunctioned so that the truck would not accelerate as usual. It was extremely slow and lacked it's typical power on acceleration. The slow acceleration placed myself, my wife and children, and other drivers at risk when I was unable to accelerate as needed in traffic. Then, the engine also started a very rough idle as if the engine was about to shut down. I was still rolling to a stop when the truck began bouncing due to the rough idle. The biuncing and rough idle can happen even when i am not at a complete stop. I just have to be off the gas. The engine slowing quickly or shutting down in the middle of traffic would pose a danger to myself, my family, and other drivers. Ford put out a customer satisfaction program in 2022 which expired in january 2023. They stated that the cam phaser would make a noise, but would pose no future threat to the functionality of the car. This was false and many ford owners are saying the same. I've called multiple dealerships who say they have tons of f150 owners in line to have their cam phasers replaced and they have to pay almost 5,000 out of pocket for it. Ford refuses to place a Recall on these defective parts that they have known were defective for years. Their satisfaction letter was not sent to me so I, like many others, was unaware of the program. By sending the letter, ford recognized that their part was defective, but refused to claim a recall and misled the public about the true potential for damage and danger caused by these defective parts. if not replaced, these defective parts can continue to deteriorate other components of the engine until it is damaged beyond repair.